How Do UV Protection Sunglasses Work?

When it comes to protecting your eyes from the harmful effects of UV rays, sunglasses with UV protection are your best bet. They are specifically designed to shield your eyes from the invisible ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitted by the sun.

At AO Eyewear, all of our sunglasses feature 100% UV protection that not only keeps your eyes safe but also elevates your style. Let's dig into how uv protective sunglasses work.

What Are the Types of UV Rays?

UV rays are categorized into three types based on their wavelengths and effects on the human body:

• UVA rays: These have the longest wavelengths and can penetrate deep into the skin, contributing to premature aging and wrinkling. UVA rays are present throughout the day, even on cloudy days.
• UVB rays: These have shorter wavelengths and primarily affect the outer layer of the skin. They are the main cause of sunburns and play a significant role in the development of skin cancer. UVB rays are most intense between 10 am and 4 pm and are stronger at higher altitudes.
• UVC rays: These have the shortest wavelengths and are largely absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere, so they don't pose a significant threat.

Why Is UV Protection So Important?

UV protection is crucial for several reasons:

Eye health: Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can lead to various eye conditions, including cataracts, macular degeneration, and corneal sunburn. By wearing sunglasses with proper UV protection, you can reduce the risk of these conditions and maintain good eye health.

Skin protection: UV rays can cause skin damage, premature aging, and increase the risk of skin cancer. Sunglasses with UV protection not only shield your eyes but also provide some coverage to the delicate skin around your eyes, reducing the risk of skin damage.

Overall well-being: Excessive UV exposure can cause discomfort, eye strain, and headaches. By wearing sunglasses with UV protection, you can enjoy clearer vision, enhanced comfort, and better visual acuity in bright conditions.

What Are the Dangers of UV Exposure?

The dangers of UV exposure extend beyond sunburns. Here are some potential risks:

• Photokeratitis: Also known as "snow blindness" or "sunburn of the eyes," this condition occurs due to intense UV exposure. It can cause pain, redness, blurred vision, tearing, and a gritty sensation in the eyes.
• Cataracts: Prolonged UV exposure can contribute to the development of cataracts, a clouding of the eye's natural lens. This can result in blurred vision and, in severe cases, lead to vision loss.
• Macular degeneration: UV radiation is associated with an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss in older adults.
• Skin cancer: The delicate skin around the eyes is susceptible to skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

How Do Sunglasses Protect Your Eyes From UV Rays?

Sunglasses with UV protection work by blocking harmful UV rays from reaching your eyes. The lenses are specially designed to absorb or reflect UV radiation, preventing it from entering the eyes. The special UV protective coating is completely separate from the tint of the lenses.

At AO Eyewear, our sunglasses feature high-quality lenses that provide 100% UVA and UVB protection, ensuring your eyes remain safe and well-protected.

What Sunglasses Styles Provide More UV Protection?

For enhanced UV protection, consider sunglasses styles that provide broader coverage:

Oversized models: Sunglasses with larger frames and lenses offer increased coverage, reducing the amount of UV rays that can reach your eyes.

Airman

Browline sunglasses: These classic sunglasses provide a distinctive and stylish look while offering good coverage for the eyes and surrounding areas.

Sirmont

Aviator sunglasses: The aviator style was designed to provide maximum eye protection to pilots and deliver great coverage.

General

How Much UV Protection Should Sunglasses Have?

When selecting sunglasses, look for those labeled as providing 100% UV protection or UV 400 protected. These sunglasses are designed to block both UVA and UVB rays, ensuring comprehensive protection for your eyes.

At AO Eyewear, we prioritize your eye health and offer sunglasses with superior UV protection, so you can enjoy outdoor activities without worrying about harmful UV radiation.

Do Dark Sunglasses Provide Better UV Protection?

The darkness of sunglasses lenses is not directly related to their level of UV protection. The tint of sunglasses affects visible light transmission but does not indicate the level of UV protection provided. Even lightly tinted or clear lenses can offer full UV protection.

It's crucial to choose sunglasses with proper UV-blocking capabilities, regardless of the lens color or darkness. Our sunglasses at AO Eyewear are known for their quality and provide excellent UV protection, ensuring your eyes are shielded from harmful rays.

Is There Any Difference Between the Polarized Lenses and UV Protected Lenses?

Yes, there is a difference between polarization and UV protection. UV protection refers to the ability of sunglasses to block UV radiation, preventing it from reaching your eyes. On the other hand, polarization reduces glare caused by light reflecting off surfaces such as water, snow, or roads.

While both features are beneficial, they serve different purposes. Polarized lenses can provide additional visual comfort and clarity by reducing glare, while UV protection is crucial for maintaining eye health.

How to Test Sunglasses for UV Protection?

To test sunglasses for UV protection, you can follow these simple steps:

1. Look for a label: Check if the sunglasses are labeled as providing 100% UVA and UVB protection or blocking UV 400. This indicates that they offer proper UV protection.
2. Visit an optical professional: Optical professionals have devices that can measure the level of UV protection in sunglasses. They can assess the sunglasses and provide accurate information about their UV-blocking capabilities.

At AO Eyewear, we ensure that our sunglasses meet the highest standards of UV protection, so you can trust the quality and reliability of our products.

Tips for Choosing the Best Sunglasses to Protect Your Eyes From UV Rays

Here are some tips to help you choose sunglasses that provide optimal UV protection:

• Look for sunglasses labeled as blocking 100% UVA and UVB rays or providing UV 400 protection.
• Ensure a proper fit to prevent UV rays from entering around the edges.
• Consider wraparound or oversized sunglasses for increased coverage.
• Choose sunglasses that suit your style and lifestyle, so you'll be more inclined to wear them consistently.

At AO Eyewear, we offer a wide range of sunglasses with exceptional UV protection and stylish designs, ensuring your eyes are both safe and fashionable.

Can Cleaning Or Heat Exposure Damage UV Protection?

Regular cleaning and exposure to heat do not damage the UV protection of your sunglasses. However, it's essential to clean your sunglasses properly using a lens cleaner or mild soap and water to maintain their clarity and longevity.

Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can scratch the lenses. Additionally, excessive heat exposure, such as leaving your sunglasses in a hot car, can potentially affect the frame or lens materials. Rest assured that AO Eyewear sunglasses are crafted with durability and quality in mind, ensuring their UV protection remains intact.

Choose the Best Sunglasses With UV Protection at American Optical Today!

Invest in your eye health and style with our wide selection of sunglasses offering superior UV protection. At American Optical, we prioritize your eye safety and satisfaction.

Explore our collection of sunglasses and find the perfect pair to suit your needs. For any inquiries, feel free to contact us for assistance. Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and enjoy the outdoors with confidence and style!